10:30 arrived and my EEG Cap was ready for embellishment with metal findings and Swarovski Crystals!

"The BR41N.IO Brain-Computer Interface Designers Hackathon has been created to show these current and future developments and unlimited possibilities of Brain-Computer Interfaces in creative or scientific fields. Furthermore, BR41N.IO aims to help understanding how artificial intelligence, life science, art and technology become a unity to evolve innovative and exceptional BCI headpieces.

The BR41N.IO hackathon series brings together engineers, programmers, designers, artists or enthusiasts, to collaborate intensively as an interdisciplinary team. They program or build their own fully functional EEG-based Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) to control a drone, a Sphero or e-puck robot or an orthosis. The participation only requires basic knowledge in Brain-Computer Interfaces, machine learning, programming or designing."

-BR41N.IO.com

My vision for the EEG Headset was to fill the entire cap with black flowers for "hair"

and utilize flowers that I had on stock for a haku lei, or flower wreath that adorns the head.

By 12am I was asking myself:

"How am I going to finish by 1pm tomorrow??"

Sleep eluded me and I finally came to the resolution that with the limited amount of time,

I would instead focus solely on the haku lei portion of the project.

With a plan in mind, I was fueled by determination to finish!

...after an hour and a half of light sleep...

Chappy came in 3rd Place!

By 3:30am, I was up and sewing like crazy!The sewing continued even after we returned to the Hackathon Site at University of Hawaii Manoa.

Project: Designing an EEG Headset

I had no clue what the hackathon was about, let alone what an EEG Headset was. Welcomed by Aisis Zane, I attended the BR41N.IO Hackathon with the intention of giving moral support.

Before I knew it, I was given an impromptu invite to decorate a headset.

2018 BR41N.IO Hackathon

FINISHED!

Its name is Chappy after a robotic character of the same name (Chappie) who learned human emotions like compassion and empathy.

Final Thoughts

I had some amazing conversations and connected with many talented individuals!

Certificate of Completion

& Some COOL prizes

I loved this event. It was stressful and a little frightening which makes a perfect blend for personal growth.

I came in to support a friend, and left a winning participant. As an artist that knows absolutely nothing about technology or biology, being in this environment was a little intimidating. The BR41N Hackathon staff was very supportive, encouraging, and open minded, making me feel very welcomed and at ease. I was a little timid at first with my EEG Headset, however, by the following morning, I was completely in my designing element. I wasn't aware that technology such as this existed and it has given me much perspective and inspiration on my own work.

Thanks to Aisis, she helped pull me together to make a last minute presentation.

Her support and encouragement got me through this last leg of the event!